An exhausted elephant has been rescued after she was made to work every day for the last 80 years.
SomBoon was captured when she was a calf and has been giving rides to people since 1944. When she began work World War Two was coming to an end, and Winston Churchill was PM in the UK.
Now a grandmother elephant, SomBoon has been rescued from a riding camp in the city of Pattaya in Thailand. Her eight decades of daily slog are now over after the Save Elephant Foundation brought her back to their rescue centre where she can finally rest.
Specialists at the Elephant Nature Park (ENP) in Kuet Chang are now caring for SomBoon afer her near-century of toil. A Save Elephant Foundation spokesperson said: “Like many rescued elephants, she was captured over 80 years ago, torn from the wild and family, and trained to serve humanity for decades.
“Elephants, especially older ones with weak ankles, cannot endure sleeping with their feet tied to a short chain on a concrete floor. Grandma Elephant SomBoon, who endured this for a lifetime, finally found peace at ENP, where we meticulously prepare living conditions for new members.”
The animal rights group shared a photo of SomBoon falling asleep the moment she entered her new enclosure. The spokesperson added: “Upon arrival, many new elephants, still plagued by paranoia and lack of trust, take weeks before they will lie down.
“However, Grandma SomBoon defied the norm. Exhausted from her journey, and a lifetime of hardship, she promptly sought the sand pile prepared for her, sleeping soundly amid the bustling activities around her.”
They also posted a photo of the worn-out elephant being helped to her feet with a pulley after her mammoth sleep. The group said: “After an hour of deep slumber, SomBoon attempted to rise but couldn’t, inducing panic.
“Critical care staff swiftly aided her, helping her regain the ability to stand.” The spokesperson added: “A vigilant team of veterinarians and carers will closely monitor her condition.”
In an update several days later, the group said: “Grandma SomBoon is radiant and content, enjoying her mud spa. It’s beautiful to witness her embracing her new sanctuary life with such joy and grace.” SomBoon will spend the twilight of her life enjoying nutritionally balanced food, pleasant strolls, and soothing mud baths at the rescue centre.
